Voters made a break from the old guard, showing the door to an astounding nine of 10 incumbent supervisors who faced primary challenges. Fenton Township Supervisor Bonnie Mathis was the only one to survive.

The political victims ranged far and wide, from colorful northern Genesee stalwarts Luther "Duke" Hatchett in Thetford Township and Anthony McKerchie in Vienna Township to the relatively new Doug Carlton in Flint Township.

The reasons appeared to vary , from voters fed up with never-ending local disputes to others just fed up with politics in general.

"It seems like people make a lot of promises they don't deliver on," said Flint Township resident Robert Young. "No new ideas or anything."

Voters overwhelmingly expressed a need to break from the norm.

Karen Bond

Doug Carlton

"I think it's time for a change," said Gary Goss, after voting at the Thetford Township Hall Tuesday. "There's been too much controversy. After eight years (of Hatchett), it's time for a change - just like the presidency."

The same might be said in Clayton Township, where 12-year incumbent Rod Shumaker has been embroiled in bitter infighting with other leaders. Shumaker was knocked out of the election by Democratic challenger Bruce Beatty.

Schwieman, who won 912-453, said he still has a lot of respect for Trotogot but believes the people want their votes and voices to be heard. He'll now face Democrat Ann L. Fotenakes in the general election.

"All I can say is that the people spoke," Trotogot said. "What we did wasn't good enough so they have a new crew coming in."

In some cases, the difference-maker might have been something intensely local, such as water lines.

Mundy Township winner Dave Guigear believes his push for water main lines down Fenton Road may have pushed him over the top to oust incumbent Karen L. Bond in the Democratic race.

Several voters took to the polls to cast their ballots for candidates who promised to deliver them arsenic-free water.

"I'm voting for the candidates who are pushing for the water lines," said Susan Meares who has lived in the township for about 11 years. "We want to be healthy and if we pay for our water we want to be able to drink it."

The lines would allow two condo communities to tap-in to city water. The communities are currently on well water that has tested higher than federal Environmental Protection Agency standards allow for arsenic in drinking water.

Guigear has a long history with the township, spending 25 years as police chief, before becoming treasurer in 2006.

He defeated Bond, 1,083 to 610. The Journal could not reach Bond for comment.

Things have long been a bit testier in northern Genesee.

Hatchett and McKerchie boasted a sometimes-colorful history of weathering recalls and political challengers, and still managing to land on the winning side -- until now.

Hicks won a trustee seat on a slate with Hatchett in 2004. Since then, the two have gone toe to toe on a myriad of issues, trading political potshots such as a 2005 censure of Hatchett and ethics allegations against Hicks earlier this year.

Anthony McKerchie

McKerchie bowed to Democratic newcomer Nancy Belill, who will not face a Republican challenger.

The Journal could not reach Belill for comment.

"She ran a good race," McKerchie said. "I enjoyed my years here (in Vienna Township) and I'm proud of my accomplishments. Roughly 1,300 people voted and they voted for change. You have to respect that."